Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass and her family were victims of a home break-in by career criminal Ephraim Matthew Hunter. Hunter broke a glass door to gain entry to Getty House, the official residence of the mayor, causing damage estimated between $5,000 and $10,000. Mayor Bass and her family were unharmed, and Hunter was arrested soon after by the police. District Attorney George Gascón expressed relief for their safety but vowed to hold Hunter accountable for his actions.
Gascón believed that Hunter targeted Mayor Bass during the burglary, indicating that he was aware of her presence in the residence. Hunter used a gap in security shifts to sneak onto the property, bypassing potential obstacles. While the motive behind the break-in was not clear, Gascón stated that violent intrusions would not be tolerated. Hunter’s quick actions raised concerns about Mayor Bass’s safety and security, prompting the authorities to ensure swift justice for the perpetrator.
Getty House, the official mayoral residence, is located in Windsor Square, nearly five miles from Los Angeles City Hall. Hunter, a Massachusetts native, had a criminal record for a brutal beating incident in 2015. Serving 5-7 years in prison, he later moved to Los Angeles, where he currently resides. Hunter’s family stated that he suffers from mental issues and believed he was in danger and sought refuge when he broke into Mayor Bass’s residence.
Charged with felony first-degree residential burglary and vandalism, Hunter is being held on $100,000 bail and faces up to 13 years and 4 months in prison if convicted. Despite his previous criminal record, his family insists that he was not intentionally targeting the mayor and requires mental health assistance. Hunter’s next court appearance is scheduled for May 6, where a preliminary hearing will take place to further address the charges against him.
This incident marks the second time Mayor Bass has been the victim of a home break-in in recent years. In a previous incident during her 2022 campaign, two men stole handguns from her home in Baldwin Vista. The thieves were later apprehended and sentenced to prison for burglary and grand theft. With crime rates in Los Angeles on the rise, Gascón’s approach to court cases and criminal justice directives have faced criticism for being soft-on-crime and posing challenges for law enforcement in the city.
As the investigation into the burglary at Mayor Bass’s residence continues, the focus remains on ensuring the safety and security of public officials and all residents in Los Angeles. The swift arrest of the perpetrator highlights the dedication of law enforcement in holding criminals accountable for their actions. Moving forward, efforts to address mental health issues and prevent future incidents of violence and break-ins will be crucial in maintaining the well-being of the community.
